Rome, the captivating capital of Italy, is famed for its rich historical heritage, art, architecture, and cuisine. And yes, despite its alluring ancient culture and sophisticated vibes, it’s an incredibly family-friendly destination! Wondering if Rome is suitable for kids? Let this guide answer that question and more for you!
Best Things to Do with Kids in Rome
Historical Rome: Monuments, and Ruins
A trip to Rome with kids would be an educational journey through history. The city’s grand monuments, ancient ruins, and millennia-old streets speak volumes about the Roman Empire’s grand heritage.
- Visit the Colosseum: A trip to Rome is incomplete without visiting the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. Book a night tour for an unforgettable experience and enlist a kid-friendly guide to make the history more accessible and engaging.
- The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: Walking through the heart of the ancient city, where political, religious, and commercial activities took place, kids will gain insight into the life of ancient Romans. The breathtaking views from Palatine Hill add richness to the experience.
- Pantheon: This spectacularly preserved building gives children a glimpse into the architectural mastery of the Romans. Its oculus, lighting up the spectacular interior, will leave your kids awestruck.
- Experience the Majesty of Vatican City: Crossing the international border, let your kids experience St. Peter’s dome and the Vatican gardens. Don’t forget the keyhole view of St Peter’s Dome for a mini-spy adventure!
Experiential Learning and Entertainment in Rome
Apart from historical landmarks, Rome offers plenty of engaging experiences for children’s learning and entertainment.
- Rome’s Museum of Illusions and Explora Children’s Museum: These child-friendly museums harbor fascinating exhibits that are both playful and educational.
- Ikono Roma and Welcome to Rome Exhibitions: These immersive presentations provide a unique way to understand the history and culture of Rome.
- Get Hands-On with Leonardo’s Machines: Leonardo’s exhibition is an inviting, interactive space where children can explore the great inventor’s works.
Fun Outdoor Activities
It’s essential to incorporate some outdoor activities for your children to unwind and relax while taking in the picturesque beauty of Rome.
- Cycling around Appia Antica: Rent a bike to explore the ancient Roman road, Appia Antica. It’s an enjoyable way to discover the tombs, monuments, and ruins that dot this historic landscape.
- Villa Borghese Gardens: Ideal for a family picnic, here children can enjoy rowing boats in the lake, riding ponies or exploring the puppet theater.
- Trastevere Stroll: Visit the Trastevere neighborhood with its narrow cobbled streets.
Underground Discoveries and Adventure
The mysteries that lie beneath Rome’s surface are equally captivating and add an adventurous touch to your family trip.
- Catacombs of St.Callixtus: Children will find it thrilling to explore this underground cemetery where early Christians were buried. It’s an eerie yet interesting experience.
- Domus Aurea: The legendary Golden House of Nero, now lies underground. A 3D virtual tour showcases the extravagance of the once-lavish palace, impressing kids with the magic of ancient Roman grandeur.
- Roman House in Palazzo Valentini: Help your kids experience the charm of an ancient Roman house.
Sweet and Savory Treats
No vacation is complete without tasting the local cuisine, and Rome has a bounty of mouthwatering treats that your kids will love.
- Gelato: Treat your children to authentic Italian ice-cream, gelato. Try out the numerous flavors at famous gelaterias like Giolitti or Il Gelato di San Crispino.
- Pizza al Taglio: Your family can relish the flavorsome, quick, and affordable pizza al taglio, a rectangular, sliced version of the classic round pizza.
- Italian Pastries: Don’t forget to sample delicious Italian pastries. Maritozzi (sweet buns with whipped cream) and cornetti (Italian croissants) are popular breakfast items kids would love.
Exploring Rome with Kids: Ultimate Family Travel Guide
What Area in Rome is Best with Kids?
The area you choose to stay in when visiting Rome with kids should cater to the whole family’s comfort. Prati, a neighborhood near the Vatican, is an excellent choice. It is clean, quiet, offers a great dining scene, and needless to say, is close to many family-friendly sights.
If you want to live amidst the hustle and bustle, consider the Navona/Pantheon area. From here, most of the main attractions are within walking distance!
Rome or Paris for Kids?
While both Rome and Paris have their unique charms that appeal to kids, your choice might largely depend on what your kids enjoy. Paris is a fantasyland with attractions like Disneyland, while Rome is a historical treasure trove with sites like the Colosseum. If your children enjoy history and monuments more, they might find Rome more fascinating. Regardless, both cities have enough activities to keep children entertained!
Navigating Rome with Kids
Now, concerning your young ones’ transportation, here’s what you need to know. Children up to 10 years old can use public transport in Rome for free, whether it’s the bus or metro system. However, children above this age need to pay, just like adults.
The Optimal Duration of Stay in Rome
Rome brims with so much to explore; hence, a longer stay usually offers a better experience. However, the duration should be based on your family’s disposition, especially when with kids, as they might tire out relatively quickly.
A 3-day trip to Rome might feel a bit rushed, though it is feasible if you plan well. With this duration, you can cover most major attractions like the Vatican City, Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.
On the other hand, a 4-day stay gives you more time to delve into the city, visit more museums and parks, enjoy leisurely strolls, and soak in Roman culture. A longer stay also allows buffer time for relaxation, so your trip doesn’t feel like a marathon.
Practical Tips for an Enjoyable and Stress-Free Family Trip to Rome
- Plan Your Itinerary in Advance: To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, make sure to plan your itinerary well in advance. Prioritize key attractions and activities that will be most engaging for your kids.
- Research Opening Hours: Many of Rome’s popular attractions have varied opening hours and days, so it is always best to research and plan your visits accordingly to avoid disappointment.
- Comfortable Footwear: Rome is best explored on foot, so ensure everyone in the family has sturdy and comfortable footwear. Having a lightweight stroller can also be helpful for younger children.
- Stay Hydrated: The weather in Rome, especially in the summer, can be quite warm, so it’s important to stay hydrated. There are numerous drinking fountains (called “nasoni”) across the city where you can refill your bottles with fresh, cold water.
- Book Tickets in Advance: To avoid wasting time in long queues, especially at popular landmarks like the Colosseum or Roman Forum, try to book your tickets online in advance. Many attractions offer discounts or free tickets for children under certain ages.
- Learn Few Italian Phrases: Learn a few basic Italian phrases together with your kids. This can be both fun and helpful in navigating the city better.
- Schedule Breaks: Rome is abundant with parks and piazzas so plan some breaks where kids can run around and relax between sightseeing.
- Take Advantage of Kids’ Menus: Many restaurants offer a kids’ menu that consists of simpler, smaller dishes that are more suited to children’s tastes and appetites.
- Stay Near Attractions: Choose accommodations closer to the major attractions or in an area that’s easily accessible by public transportation. This can greatly reduce daily travel fatigue for the children.
- Avoid Peak Season: If possible, avoid visiting Rome during the peak summer months (July-August) when it is busiest and hottest. Spring or autumn is often a more comfortable time to visit with kids.
- Use Public Transport: Rome’s public transport network is well-connected and relatively easy to navigate. Using buses, trams, or the metro ensures less walking, which can be beneficial if you have tired, small legs with you.
Remember, the key to a successful family trip to Rome is to balance sightseeing with relaxation, ensuring that the whole family stays entertained and inspired. Happy travels!
